As I mentioned in my last post, I’ve been feeling a bit crazed lately. With all that I have going on, I find myself often skipping meals (especially breakfast, but we will address that later). If there are no leftovers from the night before, lunch, oftentimes is lots of little snacks or worse, skipped altogether. But awhile back I cruised the freezer aisle of Trader Joe’s (not an aisle I frequent) and discovered a pre-made quinoa packet (to my delight was actually quite tasty). I then grabbed a container of pre-cut veggies from the refrigerator aisle, and found my solution to a healthy, quick meal.

I realize everyone might not have a Trader Joe’s in their area, but I’ve seen similar stir-fry and quinoa packets at Costco and other grocery stores, so these specific packages can easily be substituted with similar items from your local grocery store.

Heat olive oil in medium skillet. Add all ingredients (minus toppings). Cook for approx 5-7 minutes and top with additional toppings of choice.

That’s all there is to it. Its so simple, yet still healthy. Plus there are so many ways to switch up. Depending on what I have in the fridge, it differs all the time. Some days I top with salmon or chickpeas, while other times I add kale or lentils. The possibilities are endless, and the bonus, Berlin actually likes it as well. Can’t beat that. Enjoy!

This is my go to recipe when I’m feeling especially lazy. Nothing is easier than throwing some toppings on a pre-made crust, popping it in the oven for 10 minutes and voila-dinner is served!

Since we don’t eat any dairy I served this one sans cheese-and didn’t miss it one bit, however on occasion I will add some vegan mozzarella if I’m dying for cheese. This recipe would be 100% vegan if it wasn’t for the egg in the crust. I’m still working on perfecting a gluten-free and vegan crust, and when I do I will update the recipe.

Spoon mixture into squash halves and sprinkle with almonds and bake for another 15 mins

You will most likely have leftover quinoa mixture, I enjoyed it as is (with a little hot sauce) for lunch the following day, its a perfect light lunch option. Before putting on the salt and pepper I also put aside some of the mixture for Berlin, that blended with the squash is a perfect meal for baby too.

A good Macaroni and Cheese is one thing I really miss about eating dairy. To be honest I even enjoyed the terribly processed boxed Mac N’ Cheese, but let’s not tell anyone. I have attempted several recipes using vegan cheeses, such as Daiya cheese, but they end up tasting “fake” and besides, let’s face it, vegan cheese is not a healthy alternative. After eating at one of my favorite vegan restaurants in town, Gracias Madre, I realized I could use cashew cheese as a healthier option. I do have to warn you however, this should still be eaten on occasion only as cashew cheese, although healthier, is loaded with fat. But once a month, I say go ahead and indulge.

Vegan Macaroni and Cheese:

Package of Brown Rice Noodles (or whole wheat noodles of choice)

1 cup of raw cashews

2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast

2 cloves of garlic

1 jalapeno

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

1/2 cup-1 cup of almond milk (or non-dairy milk of choice)

1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Slat and pepper to taste

First soak cashews in enough water to cover them overnight (few hours at the least)

Prepare the pasta according to the directions

Add rinsed cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, jalapeno and some almond milk to food processor and blend until creamy. Add all spices and more milk as desired. Pour cheese mixture over cooked pasta and stir together. You will most likely have to add more milk to reach a creamy texture. You can add tomatoes or parsley as desired and serve.

There you have it. Healthy Mac N’Cheese that even your kids will enjoy!

Hi there! My name is Jordan. I’m an urban mama raising our daughter in the amazing city of San Francisco. I’m a lover of fashion and all things stylish, a music enthusiast, and I’m passionate about eating clean and living a healthy lifestyle.